Smith delighted with first league goal

Korey Smith expressed his delight after notching a first league goal for City in 117 attempts.

The midfielder was on hand to double City's lead at Craven Cottage as Lee Johnson's side ran out 2-0 winners against Fulham.

The 26-year-old's previous three goals for the club had come in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy (two versus Cheltenham Town) and Carabao Cup (one versus Plymouth Argyle in August).

Finally, in his 117th league appearance for the club, Smith has broken his duck.

Speaking to BCTV after the Fulham result, he said: "First of all I just want to dedicate that win to a young boy called Ben Pritchard who is going through a really hard time and our thoughts are with him today. We really wanted to get that win for him.

"I’m delighted to have put the ball in the back of the net. Knowing my luck it would have hit someone on the line and come back out or gone in for an own goal, so it was nice to get it."

IRISH ASSIST

Callum O'Dowda provided the assist after darting down the right-hand side to set up Smith. The goal came just before half-time and put daylight between the two teams, to ensure City recorded back-to-back away wins.

Smith added: "There has been a few times where the cut backs have been on and I said to Callum I will arrive and look for the ball. He’s said to me that he thought about that when he did it and it's paid off.

"It's an unbelievable effort, traveling away and getting back-to-back wins. After the Leeds United defeat we have shown amazing bouncebackability to win three on the bounce; the cup win and getting a great draw for the club and the fans and then two great wins on the road.

"It is very important and we are just an honest group of lads who work hard for each other and I think that is what the fans want: a team that will always work hard even if you are not playing well and dig in for each other.

"They [the fans] are unbelievable and it feels great for us to be able to send them home with three points twice in a week when they put in the effort to travel. You can’t do it every time but they are buzzing when we do and hopefully we can get some more wins moving forward."

DERBY DATE

Looking ahead to the Severnside Derby on Saturday, Smith continued: "It’s a big game and a big one for the fans but we will go into it like we have every game; to try and win it, stay solid and try and get some goals. They are doing really well as well so it should be a great game."

More than 18,000 will be in attendance and tickets remain on general sale, by calling 0117 963 0600 and online.